The Tesla Model Y continues to dominate the battery electric vehicle space in New Zealand, with nearly 3,000 registrations so far this year—more than four times the count of the next-best BEV, the BYD Atto 2. Yet the automaker’s headline news for this period involves a revised sedan: the Model 3 RWD.
A $55,000 entry point
This trim cuts the price of the Model 3 Premium by $9,000, landing at $54,900. It retains a generous standard equipment list, offering a stark contrast to the cheapest Model Y, which costs another $13,000. The new Model 3 RWD enters the market with a specific value proposition: less expensive than $60,000 while still including key technology.
Externally, the RWD is difficult to distinguish from the Premium. The primary identifier is the black plastic aero caps on the 18-inch wheels, which the source notes “happen to look awesome.” The downsized wheels contribute to an official WLTP range of 572 kilometers, a 52-kilometer increase over the Premium model with the same powertrain. The base trim retains full ultra-wideband connectivity for phone keys but lacks hands-free boot opening.
Inside, the cabin remains largely unchanged. Standard features include power front seats with heating, the new 16-inch high-definition touchscreen, over-the-air updates, and a panoramic glass roof. However, the vegan leather upholstery is replaced by fabric, the steering wheel adjustment is manual rather than powered, and the AM/FM radio receiver has been removed. The audio system steps back from nine to seven speakers, and rear seat heating is absent.
Performance and range
The Model 3 RWD uses the same powertrain as the Premium, delivering a 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds. Tesla does not specify battery size or power output directly, though general consensus suggests 208kW and 420Nm. The smaller wheels and softer sidewalls contribute to the extra range while maintaining a lively, rear-drive feel. The source describes the chassis as responsive with a distinct rear-drive character, noting that the firmer suspension of the Premium often results in a harsher ride around town.
Driver assistance is robust. The car supports Tesla’s Full Self Driving (Supervised) package for a $159 monthly subscription, alongside “Handle on Autosteer” for adaptive cruise control with lane-changing capabilities. Safety ratings remain high, with the current Model 3 holding a 5-star ANCAP rating valid until December 2031.
The vehicle comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty and an 8-year/160,000km battery cover. Maintenance is component-based, tracked through the infotainment system rather than traditional service schedules.
Exterior and equipment options
All models support Tesla’s Power Share system, enabling the car’s charging port to supply electricity to external devices. An optional adaptor is required to activate this vehicle-to-load capability, expanding the utility of the vehicle for activities such as powering tools or camping equipment.
The wheel and tyre combination features 235/45 tyres fitted to the 18-inch wheels, a size reduction from the 19-inch setup found on the higher-trim version. This change not only aids range but also influences ride comfort, offering a softer feel on typical road surfaces.
